Haglund's Deformity surgery anyone?

How are you now? Running I hope...

Yeah, I would say the heel is about 90%. Doubt if it will every get all the way to normal but I can run. My training has been inconsistent but not because of the foot. No excuses but a number of other factors have held me back this winter and spring. I did a 10-mile run a few days ago, 8 a couple of days ago, and had no pain either time. I just need to rededicate myself now.

Well, it hasn't really gotten any better. If I take a few days off, I can run for about 5 min. with very minimal pain...however, after that, it's like I have a constant "tooth ache" while running, if that makes any sense-it doesn't hurt severely, but I can definitely feel it. I am seriously considering the surgery at this point, because I want to get back into competitive running (& possibly marathons), and 40 mpw will not make me competitive against anyone. I guess my question is, assuming I get the surgery, what type of training can I do prior to the surgery, so I'm in the best possible shape (and lose the minimum amount of overall fitness) from time off post-surgery? Are biking and swimming good options...or should I just continue with my 40 mpw running?? Thanks! Best of luck to those who are currently recovering! Keep us updated....

I am sure it depends on the exact nature of your injury, but my doctor told me to go ahead and run if I felt like it leading up to the surgery. Coming out of it he encouraged me to swim but I did not do it nearly often enough. The good thing about swimming is that you can train seriously within a short time after your surgery -- in my case he told me to go ahead as soon as the cast came off at four weeks. I really wish I had worked on the swimming as my fitness level really deteriorated and I have a long way to go to get in reasonable shape.

For the most part is everyone's pain directly on the bump?

My pain started just on the bump. I could handle that pain and run through it, but it was definitely painful. The pain has gradually gotten worse over the years, but the real stopper is when bursitis gets in the ankle.

I have just started taking Celebrex, and what a difference it has made. I can walk without a limp after the second day. This morning as I got out of bed it did not hurt at all. By the time I had run a couple of miles, I could feel the pain on the spur, but was able to finish the run.

Just got back from walking at lunch with slight pain, but seem to have full range of motion. From what I read here, each case is different.

Thanks GT,

Others is the pain primarily on the bump?

mine was more on top of the bump, right where the achilles attached to the heel...it hurt just to apply pressure with my finger/thumb...mine was very warm to touch too, red, and would swell when i ran

Hmmm...the recovery period for this thing sounds terrible, so I really don't want to have to resort to surgery (but I'll get it, if it means I can run competitively again..lol...& long)

Anyway, my doctor told me the following about Haglund's surgery, in general:

1.) Runners are not always happy with the results (may end up with scar tissue that is just as (or more) irritating

2.) Recovery is usually around a year (I really don't want to become part of that obesity stastic, due to cast/boot-enforced inactivity)

Regarding my specific case:

1.)Dr. said, "It will be very difficult to get rid of, short of surgery..."

This thing has gradually worsened over the past year. I can walk fine. It feels sore when I run, but it's not excruciating. The most irritating factor: running in shoes with rigid heel cups (like spikes, most training shoes; however, I do feel some discomfort from barefoot running around the house, so I don't know if it's entirely shoe-related

I REALLY do miss competitive racing, though...and just the feeling of effortlessly going for 16 mile runs (and the "you're crazy look" people give me, when I tell them how far I ran).

Does anyone else agree that Haglund's has to rank among the worst running injuries?? At least w/ stress fractures, people just take a few months off (cross-training the entire time) and gradually pick the mileage up after that.

yeah, it's the worst injury i've encountered...i'm extremely confident that i'll recover. 12 days after the surgery i got my first cast taken off and it looked great and felt great. i was able to perform a simple excercise the surgeon asked me to accomplish easily, felt like my foot still had its strength left. your doctor has to say that about the recovery and the possible results to save their asses, and lets face it, nothing is guaranteed.

Just make sure you find a doctor who's performed this surgery on runners before, and so (1) has good enough sense not to detach any of your AT unless it's absolutely necessary, and (2) understands the exceptional performance expectations of a runner, and so will have you off crutches and in a walkable boot as soon as possible.

I wonder if enough doctors who perform this surgery appreciate how much being in a cast or on crutches can f*ck up your alignment -- which in combination with the typical eagerness of a runner to get back running as soon as possible can have its own disastrous consequences.

The best scenario, as far as I can gather (from both personal experience and reading what others have to say) is: a lateral incision, some bone removed (NO messing with the attachment of the AT), put in a boot for 2-4 weeks, and cross-training for a while (elliptical, swimming), back running more or less 4 months after surgery, and just keeping up good mileage until more or less full recovery in 1.5 to 2 years. Of course, cases differ, and I'm only talking about Haglund's Deformity.

(Again, if you're looking in the Lexington, KY area, I can tell you who NOT to see for this surgery!)

Yo nmw, how's that recovery coming along?

I just got a cortisone shot last week for plantar fasciitis, which I got because of wearing sandals constantly. Not something I want to do regularly. The pain from that has worn down, but the tightness at the haglund's bump has not and actually is a bit painful. The doc seemed pleasantly surprised on how much (according to him) the bump has gone down since our last visit. I hope he's right about it miraculous shrinking!

It's funny, now due to the unseasonable warm weather in California, everyone is wearing sandals. I can't help but to take a look at people's feet and the back of their heels. It's amazing how common it is for people to have some kind of calcium deposit/bump on the heels. I would go so far as saying 50% of the population. Especially runners

I agree, I flippin hate Haglund's. This sucks. Good luck with the surgery if you decide to go down that road. I had surgery a year ago and the pain now is worse than it was before the surgery. My only advice is this: find a doc who really, really knows what he/she is doing. I'll pray for you.

Robsica, thanks for your coments on the Blog. It helped me a lot i the decision of the surgery and the doctor. I am 37 , triathlete, live in Brazil and Haglund has been a problem for 6 months. Couldn't run and even Bike anymore. One doctor wanted to make atroscopy. But I went to another doctor that said that would be very complicated to do the surgery like that. So I decided to do the incision. Tks good I didn't had to detach the tendon. I made him promisse that he wouldn' t do unless very necessary. I did the surgery 4 days ago and Reading your and others coments I am confident that I will be to run, and Bike in 3 to 4 months. Thanks again and regards. Gustavo

I am considering the same surgery. I live in the chicago area. Would you reccomend your surgeon? If so would you share his name with me?

My doctor is saying i should get this surgery but I play college basketball and i dont know how long the recovery will be. Does anyone have an estimated? The season officially starts in november but practices start in october. I just want to play so bad but at the same time i want to be healthy. The pain is sometimes unbearable. It is hard for me to even drive.

Ive been looking at some pictures and my bone isnt that disformed like others but it is starting to tear my achilis tendon. The doctor said about 35% is already torn. I need some advice...

I currently have 3 more years academically for college and two more years left of eligibility. I will be a transfer at this school in the fall ( I was really trying to show the coach I could play).

Also is it possible just to get it done on one foot and leave it at that?

The doctor said they wouldnt touch the tendon at all, they would just shave down the bone.

Please help with any information.

How is everything going post surgery? I play baskeyball and I am thinking about getting the surgery..see my post on the last page for more details or please email me.

nmw wrote:

mine was more on top of the bump, right where the achilles attached to the heel...it hurt just to apply pressure with my finger/thumb...mine was very warm to touch too, red, and would swell when i ran

HELP!

I just found out I need surgery on both of my heels.

I have Haglund's Deformity and Achilles Tendinitis.

I am 50 and live in the Detroit, MI Metro area.

Any doctors you would recommend?

Thanks

Obviously, everyones case is different to some extent, but I would suggest corrective massage and/or chiro in addition to stretching and anti-inflammatories. I've had Haglunds for years, and, yes, it hurts like a @%$& now and then (particularly after a race or interval workout), but in general can keep it manageable and stay in race condition with non-surgical therapy.

I'm not doubting that surgery may releive the symptoms, though I'm gathering that it is not a "cure."

Anyhoo, good luck with whatever you choose.